FINELY CARVED CORPUS CHRISTI
Europe, 18th century

14 5/16" H x 2" D x 10 1/4" W

Boxwood, later display mount

A finely carved boxwood figure of the Corpus Christi, originally intended for attachment to a devotional or altar crucifix. Christ is shown with bowed head, extended arms and crossed feet as his flowing perizonium is gathered at the hip. The torso is carefully modeled, with attention given to the rib cage, abdomen, musculature of the arms and legs, facial features, hair and crown of thorns. Particular emphasis is shown where stress strains the flesh of Christ: in the arches of his feet, around his belly and above his wrists.

The figure is accompanied by a separately carved Titulus Crucis, inscribed INRI, referring to the Latin phrase traditionally placed above Christ on the Cross. The plaque is not original to the figure, but is appropriate in subject and scale. It likely dates to the 19th century.

The carving retains a devotional directness, with the downward inclination of the head and elongated extension of the body emphasizing the image as an object of private or liturgical contemplation. 

Retaining a very old surface patina. Exquisitely carved.

Condition: Losses to the INRI plaque, including the lower curl on the proper left side. The plaque is not original to the composition but is appropriate. Minor loss to the vines of Christ’s crown of thorns. Repair to the proper left hand at the wrist. Joint separations at the shoulder joints. Loss of one finger. Two small mounting holes verso in the perizonium.

ref. 606YLI25P